VIDEO. Euro 2024: Austria takes the Netherlands and first place in the group ahead of France after a spectacular match

Sabitzer and the Austrians finished at the top of France's group. MAXPPP – HANNIBAL HANSCHKE

Austria beat the Netherlands (3-2) on the last day of the Euro 2024 group stage, a success allowing them to qualify for the round of 16 and finish first of its group in front of the French team, held in check by Poland (1-1).

Thanks to the draw of the French team against Poland (1-1), the Austrians struck a big blow in Dortmund by stealing first place in group D against all expectations ahead of the Blues (2nd) and the Netherlands (3rd), qualified before this match.

This success and this first place, the least probable hypothesis before the match, were celebrated by the players and the staff, all lined up at the foot of the stand filled with red and white supporters .

Devoid of an offensive star in his squad led by captain Marko Arnautovic, Austrian coach Ralf Rangnick found his best scorer in Germany: the csc, before relying on his striker Marcel Sabitzer (80e).

A seventh own goal 

Before that, the Dutchman Donyell Malen deceived his own goalkeeper by cutting a cross from the left (6th), then Stefan De Vrij (59th) deflected a header from Romano Schmid into his goal. But the Austrian midfielder was credited with the goal.

In total, since the start of this edition, seven goals have been scored against his side (11 during Euro 2020). Helped by the Oranje, the Austrians finished the match as they started the tournament: physical, present in the duels and carried forward. And as against Poland (3-1 victory), they got their foot on the ball from the first minutes. They were also effective in front of goal, while the Oranje pressed little.

The Netherlands third

Twice down, the Dutch still managed to come back to the score thanks to their two players criticized until then. But this will remain anecdotal because it was not enough at the end of this last group match for group D, which completely launched in the second half.

Criticized for his talents, in clubs, little visible in the selection, it was the young Xavi Simons, midfielder in Leipzig, who perfectly served Cody Gakpo returning from the locker room, who equalized ;#39;a nice curled shot (1-1, 47th). Then it was Memphis Depay's turn to silence the critics a little by coming back to score a second time (2-2, 75th) with a great sequence of chest control – right foot strike.

"This team absolutely needs him", confided Netherlands coach Ronald Koeman at a press conference on Monday, often annoyed on his touchline. Leading Group D before this match, the Netherlands, already qualified, had to fight for first place. They finally finished third in the group.